With a minute to play in the 67-62 loss to Purdue<\/a>, Michigan State basketball was down three with the ball. Tom Izzo called timeout to draw up a play, knowing he needed something special to tie this game up. And who did he turn to? None other than freshman Xavier Booker<\/a>.<\/p>\n The storyline doesn\u2019t get any better than that. Sure Booker missed the shot (although it was halfway down) and Michigan State went on to lose the game, but how ironic that of all players to turn to, he chose Booker.<\/p>\n One of the biggest storylines this season has been Xavier Booker\u2019s lack of playing time<\/a>. It made sense at first, but Booker began to shine in the brief moments he played. However, it still wasn\u2019t enough for him to earn more playing time.<\/p>\n That however has all changed and Booker is officially part of the rotation. Not only is he part of the rotation, but he was entrusted to take a big shot late in a one possession game. Tom Izzo spoke about this play call and how his team reacted to Booker getting his number called.<\/p>\n Izzo called the play to get Booker that shot with a minute left down 3. He missed it, but Izzo loved the no-hesitation shot and the support Booker had from his teammates: \u201cThere wasn\u2019t a guy that said \u2018Are you sure?\u2019 That was pretty cool.\u201d<\/p>\n — Kyle Austin (@kylebaustin) March 15, 2024<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\nTom Izzo finally trusts Xavier Booker<\/h3>\n
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